local
USDA confirms 32 New World screwworm cases; Zapata County meeting set for Thursday
By Ruby Villarreal at KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News
· July 7, 2026
· 1 min read
LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed 32 cases of New World screwworm in the country, with a confirmed case in Jim Hogg County placing much of Zapata County inside the quarantine zone.A Webb County informational meeting planned for Wednesday has been postponed. Or...
Key takeaway Department of Agriculture has confirmed 32 cases of New World screwworm in the country, with a confirmed case in Jim Hogg County placing much of Zapata County inside the quarantine zone.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The confirmation of New World screwworm cases in the area, particularly with a case in neighboring Jim Hogg County, has significant implications for livestock owners and ranchers in Webb and Zapata counties. The quarantine zone now encompasses much of Zapata County, which will likely impact local agricultural operations and economies. The postponement of the Webb County informational meeting and the decision to proceed with the Zapata County meeting on Thursday suggests that organizers are working to provide targeted guidance and support to affected communities. Residents and livestock owners in the region should be aware of the quarantine zone's boundaries and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the screwworm. The meeting in Zapata County on Thursday will be an opportunity for locals to receive updates and ask questions about the quarantine and its effects on the community.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed 32 cases of New World screwworm in the country, with a confirmed case in Jim Hogg County placing much of Zapata County inside the quarantine zone.A Webb County informational meeting planned for Wednesday has been postponed. Or...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ruby Villarreal at KGNS (NBC/ABC affiliate) — Local News. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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